Diseases

Phytophthora Root Rot of Blueberry

Vaccinium corymbosum L.

Phytophthora root rot of blueberry is a systemic disease of the root system caused by the oomycetes Phytophthora cinnamomi and P. citrophthora, leading to root necrosis and the subsequent death of the bush.

In the reference 11 varieties crop Highbush blueberry, where this is mentioned in the description.

The disease is caused by the soil-borne oomycete Phytophthora cinnamomi, and less frequently by Phytophthora citrophthora. The pathogen infects the roots, causing browning and necrosis, which gradually spreads to the root collar of the plant.

External symptoms manifest as stunted growth, leaf chlorosis, subsequent darkening of leaves, marginal scorch, and defoliation. Specific resistance genes have not been identified, so breeding assessment is conducted based on relative root biomass and the degree of infection upon inoculation.

Relatively resistant blueberry cultivars include Aurora, Legacy, Liberty, Reka, Overtime, and Clockwork. Cultivars such as Draper, Bluecrop, Duke, and several others are characterized by high susceptibility to the pathogen.

General information about the subject — on the page Late blight.

Sources8

Varieties of Highbush blueberry mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.